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New technique for developing a proton range compensator with use of a 3-dimensional printer.
Sang Gyu Ju1, Min Kyu Kim1, Chae-Seon Hong1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|December 10, 2013
Summary
A new 3D-printed proton range compensator (RC_3DP) offers comparable accuracy and dosimetric performance to conventional RCs (RC_CMM). This 3D printing method significantly reduces manufacturing time for proton therapy devices.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Proton therapy utilizes range compensators (RCs) to precisely deliver radiation doses.
- Conventional RCs are manufactured using subtractive methods like computerized milling machines (CMMs).
- Exploring advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing can potentially improve efficiency and accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel system for manufacturing RCs using 3D printing (3DP).
- To compare the physical accuracy and dosimetric characteristics of 3D-printed RCs (RC_3DP) against conventionally manufactured RCs (RC_CMM).
Main Methods:
- RC designs were generated using treatment planning systems and adapted for 3DP.
- RC_3DP was fabricated using ultraviolet curable acrylic plastic; RC_CMM was milled from polymethylmethacrylate.
- Geometric accuracy was assessed using 3D scanning and composite analysis.
- Dosimetric characteristics, internal density uniformity, and manufacturing times were compared.
Main Results:
- RC_3DP demonstrated a higher composite analysis pass rate (99.5%) compared to RC_CMM (92.5%).
- No significant differences were observed in dosimetric characteristics or internal density uniformity between RC_3DP and RC_CMM.
- Net fabrication time for RC_3DP was approximately 18 hours, significantly less than RC_CMM's 3 hours.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed RCs exhibit comparable physical accuracy and dosimetric properties to those made with CMM.
- 3D printing offers a viable and efficient alternative for manufacturing proton range compensators.
- This advancement streamlines the production process for proton therapy components.
